Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 November 2012
107. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the farm safety campaign will be extended to include school children and older farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51694/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation covering occupational safety and health is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Agriculture and farming, like all occupations, come under the powers of that Act. The Health and Safety Authority, an agency under the aegis of my Department has responsibility for workplace health and safety, is responsible for the enforcement of legislation in this area and has an extensive farm safety campaign.
I understand this campaign involves newspaper advertisements of a farmer who suffered an arm amputation and was strategically placed in the print media to influence all farmers, young and old. In addition, a hard hitting radio advertisement which describes the consequences of entanglement in a power take-off was aired on national and local radio at specified times of the day during busy periods for farming. Again this appeal was to farmers of all ages, young and old.
The Authority works closely with all stakeholders within the farming community through the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of the Health and Safety Authority, whose focus includes the safety of children and the elderly on farms.
The Authority is currently developing a new DVD specifically aimed at elderly farmers. The Authority also has a focused campaign for child safety which includes school talks, colouring competitions and child safety areas at farm shows and the distribution of safety booklets and leaflets.
